2. Bikita West By-Election Background The Bikita West House of Assembly seat was declared vacant in line with section 129k of the constitution after Dr Munyaradzi Kereke was convicted for rape and sentenced to 10 years in prison. Six candidates Beauty Chabaya (ZANU PF), Kudakwashe Gopo (ZimPF), Madock Tatirai Chivasa (NCA), Tanyaradzwa Terrence Makumbo (PDZ) and two independent candidates Heya Shoko and Innocent Muzvimbiri contested for the seat. Generally Bikita West constituency is a hot political ground in Masvingo Province. The constituency experienced political violence and gross human rights violations since the year 2000 during parliamentary elections pitting ZANU PF and the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC). Periods between 2001, 2005, 2007-09 and 2013 are haunting memories and depressing electoral events for the Bitika West residents. In those episodes, houses where burnt, activists murdered, families assaulted, tortured and displaced as violence reared its ugly head in the constituency. The year 2001 and 2008 were the most horrible election periods where many lives were lost. Major perpetrators of violence since 2000 to 2013 included Chenjerai Hunzvi (the then War Veterans Leader), Colonel Claudious Makova, Joseph Chinotimba, Francis Zimuto (aka Black Jesus), Elias Musakwa, Chomunorwa Taruona, Munhande, Phillip Dliwayo, Blessing Chinondiwana, Jeppy Jaboon, Nhongonhema, Mashanda and Jabulani Sibanda.2 3. Bikita West By-election Observation Methodology Guided by the Constitution of Zimbabwe, section 129k and 155 (1a-d), the Electoral Act as well as the SADC Principles and Guidelines on the Conduct of Democratic Elections, Heal Zimbabwe monitored the Bikita West pre-election campaign and the balloting day environment to detect cases of electoral violence and related human rights violations that could prevent people from exercising their right to vote peacefully. To collect data, Heal Zimbabwe adopted a participant observation method within the target 11 wards and 58 2 Refer to Heal Zimbabwe Electoral Environment Constituency Review: Bikita West. Available at: http://www.healzimbabwe.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Bikita-WEST-Constituency-ElectoralEnvironment-REVIEW-1.pdf 3